A Trap in Paris Read online

  “We have a core of good, experienced people,” Jamshidi said, “and we are in the process of recruiting agents from a pool of promising candidates. Farid Madani, who coordinated the activity in the United States, has been in Paris for some time now. We created a new identity for him, and we have been fortunate enough to be able to rely on his academic background in the city. Farid is coordinating the development and expansion of our local agents.”

  “Madani—I remember him well,” said the president. “He did an impressive job recruiting Rayan Roshni in California, and that project equipped us with important information we never would have acquired elsewhere. But isn’t there a risk that American security agencies have already shared their intelligence information with the French authorities, and that Madani could be discovered before he even begins working on the network?”

  “Madani is a resourceful former combat officer. Do you remember what an outstanding fighter he was in the youth battalion I commanded during the Imposed War?” Jamshidi said, using the prevailing Iranian term for the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq in the 1980s. “He was impressive even as a teenager, and he has not let us down yet.”

  “Yes, but France is an arena of warfare in which neither of us have ever fought,” the president pointed out.

  “Madani actually seems to be fitting in well in France.” Jamshidi said. “He’s a graduate of the University of Paris in electronic engineering. For him, an assignment in Paris is, in many ways, like going home, returning to his roots. The people with whom he’s been cultivating connections over the years now hold senior positions in government ministries and leading industrial companies. His title of ‘scientific attaché’ suits him well and gives him diplomatic immunity in the event of a mishap.”

  “And what about Germany? Have we decided to throw in the towel based on one problematic experience? Germany is an advanced country that can provide us with an abundant supply of technology.”

  “You’re absolutely right,” Jamshidi said. “We have not forgotten that Europe today is connected by multinational corporations. Sometimes this can be challenging, but it also sometimes makes acquisition of technologies easier. A great deal depends on the ability of our people to find cracks in the regulations and the human side of things. My representative in Germany is Arash Jawad, who was Madani’s right-hand man in the United States. And in terms of personal connections, Jawad also possesses a significant advantage.”

  “And what’s that?” the president asked.

  “Arash Jawad has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the university here in Tehran, but he was sent to the Free University of Berlin to earn his MA and Ph.D. This was a wise investment. It’s given us a German-speaking emissary and a man who understands the way Germans think today. Relatively quickly, he was able to set up a broad network of personal connections among university alumni and political science departments in institutions of higher education in Germany.”

  “And what role will he play in your procurement efforts?” the president asked.

  “He works closely with our embassy in Berlin, and he has all the necessary information about our procurement network, which we are continuing to build, including company employees who worked with us without the knowledge of their management. And of course he is being assisted by operatives of the Guardians, working under an array of covers. Madani and Jawad understand one another even without speaking, so they don’t expose themselves through communication. Their teamwork is a significant asset.”

  “Do you have any other cards up your sleeve, in the event they prove necessary?” asked the president.

  “There is one promising possibility.” Jamshidi chose his words carefully. “But I wouldn’t want to burden you with details that have not yet been completely evaluated. If it works—and I hope it does—I will, of course, present you with the whole plan. At this point, however, no one knows anything about it.”

  “Thank you, my friend. I’d like to remind you of what the Supreme Leader said at the conclusion of our meeting. General Soleimani and the Quds Force are ready to operate in Europe. I will remain in the picture and make sure they fulfill the directives of the Supreme Leader. I assure you that they will soon be ready to assist in getting rid of any obstacles to the procurement process, by any means necessary.”

  Mohammed Ali Jamshidi knew when it was time to take his leave from the president. Today he had received support above and beyond what he had ever expected.

  Chapter 13

  Dan Avni sat in his office, completely engrossed in his analysis of the computer data flickering before his eyes. His team had discovered a bug in the planning of the second-generation smart card and was concerned that it would set back its timetable, so they had come to consult with him. Dan had decided to explore the problem thoroughly. The shrill ring of the landline in his office broke his concentration, and he snatched up the receiver.

  “Gideon Ben-Ari is on the line from Israel. Shall I put him through?”

  Gideon Ben-Ari? Dan wondered why his girlfriend’s father could be calling him and took the call.

  “Hi Dan. I’m sorry to call you like this, out of the blue, but it’s about something we think is important,” Gideon explained. “I consulted with your father before calling you, and he also thought it was a good idea.”

  “Now you’ve got me curious, Gideon. What’s going on?”

  “I can’t go into detail on the phone. All I can say is that it’s a matter of national security. We need you here in Israel for a bit. I hope you can clear your schedule at work and fly over right away.”

  “I won’t be able to leave for a few days. How long will I need to be there?”

  “I don’t know exactly. At the moment, we’re talking about two weeks. But it will all depend on how things develop, which is something we really can’t anticipate at the moment. Yoni Feldman from the consulate in San Francisco will update you regarding your flight arrangements. He’ll also be able to give you a few more details.”

  “I’ll need at least a week,” Dan answered, speaking more resolutely now. “I’ll need to organize my team so they’ll be able to continue working in my absence. But don’t worry. I’ll contact the consulate and get ready to leave as soon as I possibly can.”

  ***

  The phone rang. It was Noam. She had called immediately after reading his text. “Hi Noam,” he said, trying to sound cheerful, though she thought she heard a trace of tension in his voice. “Can you make some time for me this afternoon?”

  “Is everything all right?” Noam knew Dan well enough to know that he never tore himself away from work in the middle of the day, even for a short phone call.

  “Um, no…well, actually, yes. Can we meet? It’s something I’d rather not talk about on the phone.”

  “Sure,” said Noam, without hesitation. “I have to finish up an important lecture, but I can meet you at Peet’s at four.”

  Dan arrived early, ordered two coffees and a cranberry muffin, and sat down at their regular table. All he knew was that he needed to fly to Israel for an unspecified period of time, but he hoped he would know more after his meeting at the consulate. Noam slid into the chair beside him, unable to hide the curiosity in her eyes. There was nothing in the world he wanted less than to burden her with his concerns.

  “Your father called me today,” he began, taking a sip of his coffee. “He consulted my father first.”

  “What did he want?” She tried to ignore the growing apprehension that started to amass within her.

  “There’s a project coming together, but he couldn’t give me any details about it over the phone. All I know is that it’s something related to Israeli security, and that I’m essential there.”

  “I don’t understand. You don’t know anything about the project, but you’re willing to leave everything you’ve achieved here to join some mysterious adventure?”

  �
�No, no… Listen. Your dad said it would probably take about a week or two. I’ll give instructions to my team at work to prepare them to manage without me while I’m gone.”

  This was typical of her father. Even when he’s a hundred years old, he’ll never stop volunteering, Noam thought, filled with a mixture of pride and resentment. But why drag Dan onto the same leaky, dangerous boat with him? At the same time, she knew she couldn’t stand in his way. She was familiar with the Avni family code, which obligated them to atone for Nurit’s past transgressions. And perhaps, she thought, it still had something to do with Iran.

  “So, when do you leave for Israel?” Noam was unable to conceal her mounting anxiety regarding the sudden separation.

  “As soon as I can. It’s urgent. But first I’ll also need to go see my mother and tell her, too. I want her to hear it from me.”

  They drank their coffee and ate in tense silence. And when they were done, they settled into a long, warm embrace.

  Chapter 14

  Nurit was setting the table in the kitchen of the small apartment that had been her home since her doctoral studies at UC Berkeley. Dan had called earlier that afternoon and asked if he could come over. He said he had something to tell her. Did it have something to do with Noam? Was he coming over to tell her they were engaged? It seemed that, no matter how old he got or what he accomplished, she could not help thinking of him as her little Dani. The doorbell rang, yanking her out of a wave of the memories from which she found it so difficult to extricate herself. She walked over to the door and opened it, and there he was.

  “So what is it you have to tell me, Dani?” Nurit prodded, after they sat down. “Is everything okay?”

  “I’m flying to Israel, and possibly also somewhere in Europe—”

  “When? What for? How long will you be gone?” The questions rolled quickly off of Nurit’s tongue.

  “Wait a second, Mom! Slow down!” he said with a smile, trying to reassure her. “I’m telling you everything I know at the moment. I’m going to Israel to join a project that’s been classified as being of high national priority.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? Who classified it? Isn’t your work here also a national priority?” She had been caught off guard. She felt as if her only reliable source of support in California was about to be taken away from her. She was also troubled by the prospect of her son taking part in a project that could be dangerous.

  Dan had known his mother would be concerned, even before she heard any more details. But there was no use discussing it, especially not with her. Deep down, in a place far beyond the regions of conscious reason and decision, he was compelled to atone for the sins of his mother’s past and to take vengeance against those responsible for leaving her life in shambles.

  “Mom,” he said softly, in a vain effort to calm her, “I want you to know that Gideon Ben-Ari is also involved in the project and that I spoke with Dad, who also had some good things to say about how I could help—”

  “I don’t feel good about this at all! And do you really think that Gideon’s involvement is reassuring? It actually troubles me even more! The Iranians could be involved—”

  “They need my technological and intelligence abilities. It’s been classified as an international project of strategic importance, and I’m the most qualified person for the job.” Dan paused and observed the degree of worry in his mother’s face for the first time. “And besides,” he said with a mischievous smile, “there are some things that only I know how to do!” He pulled a carnation out of thin air and attached it to his mother’s lapel.

  “I see you haven’t lost your sleight of hand!” She laughed, with tears in her eyes, recalling how Dan used to entertain the whole family with his magic tricks. “Don’t forget – they have deep pockets and can recruit collaborators from the Iranian diaspora and Iran’s supporters around the world. They also have virtually unlimited funds to support their work.”

  “Gideon told me about a bag full of hundreds of thousands of dollars he was once given by the Iranians in an effort to persuade him to hand over a study he had carried out.” Dan told her with a look of wonder.

  “That’s true. They also tried to entice Gideon,” said Nurit with a mixture of envy and dejection, “but he managed to not fall into their trap.”

  “So, Mom, are you trying to say that I should expect a high level of sophistication from the Iranians and that I should be careful?”

  “Yes. I am. And please—never endanger yourself by working alone,” she whispered, stroking her son’s hand and already missing him.

  Chapter 15

  Traffic was light on the streets of Paris that morning, and the car from the Interior Ministry that had picked up Gideon and Haim from their hotel made good time to the ministry’s offices. Professor Bernard was meeting with two other men in his office when the Israelis arrived, but he rose quickly to greet them.

  “Bonjour, Gideon. Bonjour, General.” Bernard shook their hands warmly and motioned for them to have a seat. “This is Robert,” he said, introducing one of his aides. “He is a graduate of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the University of Paris, and he specializes in underground buildings and the construction of tunnels. Robert,” he said, turning to his aide, “why don’t you tell us what was discovered this week under the streets of Paris?”

  “Certainly. Two days ago, the Paris Sewer Authority informed us of the discovery of a hitherto unknown tunnel located between Avenue d’léna and Rue Fresnel. As a part of routine operations in the city, the sewer authority dug a shaft to access and clear a blockage. In the process, they found a tunnel between the Iranian embassy and the basement of an apartment building on Rue Fresnel. The point of entry from the sewer to the new tunnel is currently closed, but it can be opened quickly and easily. It’s also been camouflaged so that someone walking through the tunnel today would never know that it had been entered.”

  “And you think the tunnel is being used by the Iranians?” asked Haim.

  “It’s a new tunnel, and the sewer authority would certainly have known about it had the digging been authorized and performed under our auspices. The fact that the tunnel originates from the basement of the Iranian embassy seems to be a clear indication that it’s an Iranian tunnel. The assumption, which still needs to be confirmed, is that the tunnel leads to the basement of an apartment building containing an Iranian safe house.”

  “Were it simply a tunnel,” Bernard interjected, “there would be no reason for concern. But we must assume that the issue at hand is much larger, gentlemen. If I am not mistaken, you are also facing a tunnel-based threat in Israel.”

  “Can I assume that you’ve already installed audio and video surveillance equipment?” said Gideon.

  “Yes, we have,” Robert confirmed. “In this case, I think we need to distinguish between large tunnels used for transportation, dug using expensive technologically advanced mechanical equipment, and simple tunnels dug by hand. The Iranians have purchased digging systems in Italy, and Iranian engineers and technicians have been trained to operate them. As of now, we know that the large tunnel intended for the high-level uranium enrichment facility in Fordow, near the city of Qom, was dug using TBMs supplied by an Italian company.”

  “What about the embargo regulations?” asked Haim. “Isn’t there a ban on digging equipment that can be used in the development of weapons of mass destruction?”

  “Unfortunately, such purchases are impossible to stop,” Robert replied. “This kind of machinery is classified as civilian equipment and is designed for digging and constructing tunnels for roads and railways. Negotiations are currently underway between a French company and the Iranian Ministry of Transportation for the purchase of one of our systems for digging and constructing tunnels. The knowledge possessed by the Iranians, at this point, was accumulated during the digging and construction of the French half of the tunnels running beneath the
La Manche Canal.” Robert stopped speaking and looked hesitantly at Bernard.

  “The Iranian tunnel we just discovered was not dug by a machine,” Bernard explained, “because doing so would have exposed the work immediately. They appear to have used a quiet manual technique that is extremely time consuming. The Iranians, it seems, have an abundance of time on their hands and a great deal of patience. Equally as important is the fact that it’s a tunnel model with which you, as Israelis, are more familiar than we are.”

  “We’ve been dealing with the threat of tunnels in the Gaza Strip for years,” Gideon confirmed, “not to mention the Hezbollah’s successful foray in underground warfare in Lebanon.”

  “Hezbollah learned the technique from their patrons, the Guardians of the Revolution in Iran,” said Bernard.

  “If I’m not mistaken, Brigadier General Bar-Oz has firsthand experience in this area.” Bernard turned to Haim, who sat up straight and came to life.

  “When I was the commander of a paratroopers reserves brigade, we learned the hard way about the maze of underground tunnels Hezbollah had built in the towns and Shiite villages of southern Lebanon. We called them ‘nature reserves.’ Hezbollah moved into the underground tunnel system when we attacked the buildings in which they were operating, and we had no way of knowing. All of a sudden, the buildings were empty. ‘Nature reserves’ have also been used as launch sites for firing rockets at Israeli population centers along the northern border.”

  “Dr. Ben-Ari and Brigadier General Bar-Oz…” Bernard assumed control of the meeting again. “We know that Israel has analyzed the lessons of the various wars against terrorism and possesses a complete understanding of techniques for constructing tunnel systems. We’ll need all of your knowledge and experience to begin making progress in our work against the Iranian tunnels here in Paris.”

  “We don’t have all the information,” Gideon explained. “And if you want precise details, we’ll need to specify exactly what it is we want to know in order to get the information from Israel. If Robert could put together a concise document stipulating what is needed, we could get the ball rolling.”